7 Best Leaf Vacuums with Blower and Mulcher Options 2020

Conclusion:

Whether you have a small patch of land or a large yard filled with leaves, this powerful vacuum mulcher has you covered. It’s easy to use and gets the job done well.

Conclusion:

There’s no doubt that this leaf vacuum mulcher will serve you well. It checks off all the boxes in terms of features and performance.

Conclusion:

Big jobs are no match for the WORX leaf vacuum mulcher. Its powerful engine and strong blades will destroy leaves in seconds.

Conclusion:

There’s a lot to love about this leaf vacuum mulcher. It’s a powerful contender that will change the way you do yard work.

Conclusion:

If you’re looking for a frustration-free mulcher to tackle your yard, this Toro model may be for you. With its powerful motor and various accessory parts, it can serve you well for many seasons to come.

Conclusion:

Thanks to its compact build, this vacuum mulcher is a very accessible product. It can be used by virtually anyone without any issues.

Conclusion:

No matter how many leaves you’re dealing with, the Sun Joe leaf vacuum mulcher is fully capable of getting the job done quickly and efficiently.

Types of Leaf Vacuum Mulchers That You Can Get

The first thing you should consider before purchasing a leaf blower vacuum/mulcher is how you want it to be powered. Like most yard tools, this equipment comes in a few different varieties so that you can work how you want.

1. Electric Mulchers

Your first option is electrically powered mulchers. As the name would suggest, these tools are powered by a standard outlet. Most of these devices will require the use of an extension cord, so keep that in mind.

The biggest benefit that electric vacuum mulchers offer is that they tend to be cheaper in the long run. There’s no need to worry about constant refueling. Plus, the lack of combustion results in less maintenance over time.

If your carbon footprint concerns you, you’ll be happy to know that electric leaf blower vacuums are also more environmentally friendly. They’re also quieter, lightweight, and much easier to manage than their gas-powered counterparts.

The downsides? Well, you’re tied down by a power cord! Electric equipment is often viewed as the better option for smaller yards because you must have access to a power outlet. They can prove to be a hassle if you have a massive yard and want to reach the edge of your property.

2. Gas Mulchers

You really can’t go wrong with a gas-powered leaf blower vac! Gas combustion engines were the norm for several decades because of the power and versatility the equipment offers. With a gas tool, you’re able to work on your yard untethered by cords.

Gas-powered tools are often more powerful than electric versions, making them a great option for large properties that have a ton of leaves.

The disadvantage of a gas leaf vacuum mulcher is that they require regular care. While they’re more affordable in terms of upfront costs, you may be paying the difference with repairs in the future. Furthermore, gas equipment produces much more pollution. About 30 percent of the fuel you use doesn’t combust completely, resulting in some harmful emissions. Additionally, there’s the issue of noise pollution.

3. Battery-Powered Mulchers

Wouldn’t it be nice if you could get the environmentally-conscious features of an electric leaf vacuum mulcher with the portability of a gas model? Well, you can with a battery-powered mulcher!

These tools utilize powerful batteries. The runtime of the battery varies based on how you use the tool, which is great if you want full control over how you work. On the standard power setting, you can get upwards of 40 minutes. However, full power settings may decrease that work time down to 20 minutes.

The good news is that you can always invest in additional batteries to work longer. These batteries are all rechargeable and can last for several years with proper care.

• Budget

Prices can vary quite a bit. Higher-end models can cost hundreds of dollars. Now, it’s important to remember that a higher price tag doesn’t always equate to better quality. The key is to compare the features and performance capabilities of the device. Figure out how much you’re ready to spend before you start shopping. This will help you get a better idea of where to start your search.

• Motor Power

How much power do you need to get your chores done? Power output is measured in a couple of different ways depending on the source. For gas leaf vacuum mulchers, you’ll be looking at either amperage ratings or horsepower ratings. Basically, a tool with higher amps and horsepower is going to produce more mulching power. Generally, you can find tools with 10 or 12-amp motors.

Generally, electric equipment has lower power output. This applies to both corded and cordless models. It’s just the sacrifice that must be made to keep the equipment light. Even still, electric leaf vacuum mulchers offer more than enough power to get the job done. Like gas-powered equipment, you can often find power ratings in amps. For battery-powered mulchers, you can also find mAh figures to determine capacity.

• Speed

Sometimes, vacuuming up leaves requires a bit of finesse. You don’t want to harm existing foliage or accidentally suck up objects that could damage your mulcher. For this reason, many manufacturers take advantage of motors that can produce different speeds. This proves to be useful in both operating modes. We’ll get into the multi-purpose nature of leaf vacuum mulchers in a bit.

Two-speed motors are relatively easy to operate. They usually have a “high” mode and a “low” mode. If you want more control, you can get a variable speed motor, which has a dial that allows you to make fine-tune adjustments.

Manufacturers may provide some speed information to give you a better idea of what to expect. Some provide that data in miles-per-hour while others use CFM, or cubic feet per minute.

• Blade Quality

To slice up those leaves into tiny bits, mulchers use an impeller blade. It spins at a very rapid pace to break the leaves apart after they’re sucked up. The quality of that blade will affect the vacuum mulcher’s effectiveness and longevity.

Cheaper models use plastic blades. While they get the job done at first, they can degrade in quality pretty quickly. Plus, they’re prone to damage from hard debris. Metal blades are the way to go. They’re sharp, tough, and do a great job at reducing leaves in one pass.

• Reduction Ratio

For mulchers and wood chippers, the reduction ratio refers to how the equipment breaks apart the waste. One of the biggest benefits of a leaf vacuum mulcher is that it can compress that waste down significantly.

Reduction ratios are a good indicator of how small those tiny bits of leaves will be.

Let me explain…

Take, for example, a mulcher that has a 12:1 ratio. Essentially, this means that the leaves will be cut up so finely that you can reduce 12 bags of full leaves into a single bag of mulch. Imagine all of the money you can save on yard waste bags!

• Weight

The overall weight of your new leaf blower vac will affect how comfortable it is to use. Even a few pounds will start to feel heavy after a long day of work. If you’re looking for the lightest option available, stick with electric or battery-powered models. With traditional gas mulchers, you have to consider the weight of the fuel tank.

• Nozzle Design

Much like the vacuums you use on your carpets, the size of the nozzle is important. Smaller nozzles are ideal for getting into tight spaces, such as under a porch or behind structures. With that said, leaf vacuums need to be wide enough to let the leaves pass without any issues.

• Switching Capacity

Remember how we mentioned that leaf vacuum mulchers were multi-purpose machines? In addition to sucking up those leaves and turning them into a fine mulch, these devices do double-duty as a leaf blower.

With a simple flip of a switch, you can generate a stream of air that’s up to 270 MPH fast! This is great for clearing pathways and directing leaves to a certain part of your yard.

Before you choose the first equipment you see, consider how it switches modes. Can you keep the tool running or do you need to turn it off first? For the best user experience, go with a model that has a simple lever or finger switch that lets you transition between modes seamlessly.

1. Improves Speed and Efficiency

   The first thing you’ll notice after you complete your first yard cleanup with a leaf vacuum mulcher is how quick you were able to get the job done! These tools let you clean up fallen leaves in only a fraction of the time it would take you to rake them up.

   Furthermore, you’re able to save space. Mulching compresses those leaves, making them easier to transport and dispose of. Most models even come with a detachable bag, which catches the mulch in a contained space for easy disposal.

2. Creates Fertilizer for Your Plants

   You don’t have to throw away that mulch. We recommend using it in your garden. Leaf mulch is a great source of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. All of those nutrients can promote growth and help your plants reach their full potential. Just sprinkle the mulch around the garden bed or around the base of trees.

3. Controls Weeds

   Struggling to deal with weeds in your garden? Consider using your leaf vacuum mulcher to create an all-natural barrier. Mulch can be quite effective at depriving weeds of sunlight and moisture. While they won’t get rid of weeds completely, they can do a lot to keep things under control.

4. Can Be Used to Create Compost

   Those ground leaves can be saved for the growing season through the form of compost. Compost is decomposed organic matter. Usually, it takes a very long time to create some good compost from yard waste. However, creating a fine mulch helps to speed the process up.

5. Reduces the Chances of Mold and Fungi

   Getting rid of fallen leaves is an important part of keeping your yard healthy. If you don’t vacuum those leaves up and dispose of them properly, you run the risk of growing mold and fungus. Leaves trap moisture in the ground. They block out sunlight and prevent evaporation. Eventually, this can result in the growth of fungus, which may attract some unwanted pests.